Introduction

Emergency preparedness is a crucial aspect of any organization’s risk management strategy. Being prepared for unforeseen events and crises can make a significant difference in minimizing potential damages and ensuring the safety and well-being of patients, staff, and visitors. One effective method for evaluating and strengthening emergency preparedness is conducting tabletop exercises. Tabletop exercises serve as a powerful tool to assess and enhance emergency preparedness and response measures.

What’s included?

The following toolkit provides a framework for conducting tabletop exercises (TTX). By simulating various emergency scenarios in a controlled and safe environment, departments can test and challenge their emergency response capabilities, enabling them to confidently respond during a real-world emergency.

  • Introduction
  • Planning Templates
  • Background
    • Flexibility Statement
    • Confidentiality
  • Preparing a TTX
    • Define Objectives
    • Identifying Key Stakeholders
    • Establishing a Planning Timeline
    • Conducting Planning Meetings
    • Ensuring Effective Communication
    • Develop the Situation Manual (Sitman)
    • Design Exercise Material
    • Conduct Briefing
  • Conducting a TTX
    • Introduce the Exercise
    • Setting the Stage
    • Facilitate Discussion
    • Manage Time and Pace
    • Encourage Reflection
    • Exercise Wrap-Up
  • Assessing a TTX
    • Post-Exercise Debrief
    • Review Performance
    • Review Outcomes
    • Develop After Action Report
    • Continuous Improvement

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The Pediatric Pandemic Network is supported in part by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of cooperative agreements U1IMC43532 and U1IMC45814 with 0 percent financed with nongovernmental sources. The content presented here is that of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government. For more information, visit HRSA.gov.

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